The Mom Weekly Volume 8: September 12, 2023
Notes:
Several subscribers asked specifically about the Coast-to-Coast Walk—what it is, how I found out about it, and why I’m so interested in it.
I found out about the Coast-to-Coast Walk this spring while hiking with one of my sisters. She sees other “regulars” on her hikes, and one of the ones we talked with for a bit said he was training for the Coast-to-Coast Walk, and in the middle of his description I thought, “I want to do that one.”
Here’s an excerpt from a description from one the many companies) that will help organize or plan a trip for you; making your reservations, and transporting your bags.
Devised by renowned walker and writer Alfred Wainwright in 1973, the Coast to Coast Walk is the most famous long-distance trail in UK. At 315km or 195 miles, the Coast to Coast Walk uses a network of public footpaths tracks, permissive paths and access land to cross England’s huge variety of landscapes, terrain, villages and three unique national parks – the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.Walkers are encouraged to dip their boots in the Irish Sea the before setting off and in the North Sea at the end of the trail.Starting in the tiny Cumbrian seaside village of St Bees, the trail climbs steeply into the Lake District National Park, home to spectacular lake and mountain scenery, before crossing classic rolling farmland, the Pennine Hills and the mystical cairns atop Nine Standards Rigg.Follow the beautiful River Swale to the historic market town of Richmond before leaving the Yorkshire Dales to cross the low-lying Vale of Mowbray and linking up with the North York Moors National Park. From here the trail undulates spectacularly before depositing you at Robin Hood's Bay.As you make your way across the Coast to Coast trail on foot or by bike, enjoy staying in specially handpicked hotels, guesthouses and pubs, where you’ll come to appreciate just how much a full English breakfast will set you up for a long day of walking or cycling.Because of the popularity of this trail, people often fall into the trap of thinking that it is easy. However, our trips on the Coast to Coast trail are amongst our most challenging but rewarding tours in Europe.Experience the diversity of England by choosing a guided or self guided walking or cycling trip on the Coast to Coast trail.”COVID strikes again
This week I had a topic all queued up, but I tested positive for COVID on Sunday, so editing on that is not happening. Saturday was really my worst day, but I’m still pretty achy and tired. About a 3 on a scale of 1-10.
I keep telling friends and family that this is way better than having COVID when we first got it, back in August 2020. This was before the vaccine, and all of us were isolated, and exhausted, at home, for the better part of that August. We lost a month.
I remember not having the energy to do much of anything, even pay attention to something on video or tv. I feel a little bit like that now, but it lasted so much longer back then.
Do you remember how it would exhaust us to even eat something? Not that we wanted to eat—that was a struggle enough. I’m still not quite in the mode to eat real food, so thank God for electrolyte powder mixed with water, and for the blandest possible pretzels.
Back in 2020, I also remember how weird it was to lose my sense of taste and smell. It hasn’t totally gone away this time, but it’s diminished for sure.
Maybe I’m the only one who experienced this, but do you remember finding it exhausting even to be around each other? I just wanted to be alone with my misery, haha. That’s how I feel this time, too.
Here’s hoping that I’ll be mostly better when it’s time to schedule next week’s newsletter, and we can get back to regular programming.
Love,
Mom
An interesting read:
Honestly, I have no brain for reading, so let me share the current COVID protocols.
According to this, I would be isolating through Thursday. Then, I would be allowed to be out and about— but with a mask—through Tuesday, September 19 (coincidentally right in time for the next Mom Weekly!) I think I will probably continue to isolate (but not as strictly), for the second five days.
An interesting listen:
It kind of hurts to listen to or watch anything. So I’ll ask you: anything good you are watching or listening to lately? Once I’m back in action, but surely still a little tired, I will want to have things to watch or listen to.
An action item: Consider stocking up on COVID tests
I wouldn’t overstock these, because they do expire (but many still work after their expiration date). But they are good to have on hand if you want to check.
What are you doing this weekend?
You know the drill here. Now that it’s Tuesday, what are you planning for the weekend? I’m going to suggest trying to cover four “F”s to get ideas flowing:
*faith—when are you going to Mass?
*friends—what friends will you see or connect with?
*food—any fun recipes you plan to try, or restaurants you plan to visit?
*fun—anything interesting you are going to play, watch, or do this weekend? Now’s the time to think it through, and put it on the calendar (even informally).